The best 7 hikes to do in the French Pyrenees

Whether you want to blissfully ramble and discover the perfect picnic meadow, or conquer majestic peaks that soar on the edge of reality, the Pyrenees won’t just satisfy your yearnings, it will inspire you to seek out more. From formidable rows of summits that surge through the clouds to sunsets that melt into hidden crevices and canyons, the Pyrenees is a hikers’ wonderland.

These seven best hikes in the French Pyrenees include staggering feats of nature such as the Cirque de Gavarnie, intoxicating aromas drifting through the Pyrenees Orientale, and wild mountains made even more memorable by the friendships often forged in the refuges below them.

1. The Andreyt ridges from the Col d’Aubisque

Best hike for families in the Pyrenees

5.4 miles (9 km), 3 hours, easy to moderate

Stretches of mountains fold lazily into each other, fresh breezes are carried from the sea, and summits are made surreal by sinking cloud. Balcony hikes provide striking views without the exertion, which makes them ideal for families – and anyone wanting an afternoon’s escape.

milesThe Andreyt ridges are a delightful leisurely balcony loop that opens out onto the rest of the Haute–Pyrenees to the west. The

tranquil hike quickly reveals dramatic views of the Cirque de Gourette, with its combination of craggy steel summits and rolling satiny green hills, while light reflects from moist rock that can look like running water. A short 1.5-mile detour after the crest of Andreyt leads to a spectacular view from the Soum de Grum.

A good starting point for this walk is Gourette, where you can drive or catch a bus to the top of the Col d’Aubisque. The Col also offers a shorter 1.5-mile round trip walking directly to the Soum de Grum.

Planning tip: Visit between May and October to avoid snow, and choose a clear day as fog can creep in – even in the summer.

2. Tuchan to Puilarens taking in the magnificent Gorge de Galamus

Most aromatic hike in the Pyrenees

Up to 80 miles (122 km) round trip, 3 days, easy to moderate

The delightfully heady scent of wild lavender, rosemary, broom and herbs is one of the exquisite joys of the Pyrenean spring and summer. The historic and popular Cathar Trail, linking the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean via the lower mountains, is one of the best ways to enjoy this.

One route on the Cathar Trail starts from Tuchan and weaves its way along aromatic balcony trails of herbs, with a fragrance that’s strongest in April and May. Melodies of finches and siskins fill the air, and almost comically over-sized beetles sometimes veer across the path.

As you progress towards Puilarens, you’ll see endless postcard views of castles, colorful towns, a windmill, and the Chateau de Queribus clinging, limpet-like to its rock perch, with stunning vistas over the whole Pyrenees Orientale. This is one of the best places to stop to take in the sunset.

The Gorge de Galamus is a marvel of nature notable for the vertiginous roads carved within, as well as its colorful pools bringing a little respite from the summer heat. Continue on from there to eventually reach the imposing Peak of Bougarache, known as the "overturned mountain", where falcons and eagle sightings are common.

A train is available from Lapradelle, which travels from Axat and down the coast to the east.

Local tip: Be aware that the fire risk can often be high in the region, especially when conditions have been hot and dry, so consult the fire risk map before you set out.

3. Mont Valier

Best circular hike in the Pyrenees

31 miles ( 52 km) round trip, 3 to 4 days, difficult

At 2828 metres, Mont Valier is a favourite stomping ground for hikers working towards a 3 kilometre climb and beyond.

One of the most rewarding routes starts from Couflens. Starting from the valley, lush green undulating hills are interspersed with trickling mountain streams and grazing horses. From spring, pale blue and deep purple flowers seem to glow in the afternoon sun, and silhouettes of eagles hover overheard.

Mont Valier itself is one of the most striking mountains in the Pyrenees, and crossing the western shoulder, you’ll be surrounded by waves of rough peaks, with the summit rising above the shimming cloud.

Refuges such as Borda Ignasia refuge and Refuge les Estagnous provide good stopping points to recuperate, and meet fellow hikers.

It’s a tough climb, with as much as 2250 metres of elevation over short distances of undulating terrain, which becomes somewhat more technical the more you ascend.

The effort is more than worth it. Every evening, from the Estagnous mountain refuge, a ballet looms in the sky; the sunset gives way to a sea of ​​clouds from which only the peaks emerge, creating a sublime spectacle of feeling elevated above it all.

Planning tip: The best times to visit are between June and September.

4. Argeles-Gazost

Best base for a choice of hikes

5.5 miles (8.7km) round trip, easy to moderate or 23 miles (37 km) round trip, 1 to 2 weeks, easy to difficult

Wonderfully warm and beautiful, Argeles-Gazost is an idyllic haven for exploring some of the most exciting terrain in the Pyrenees.

Argeles is around ten minutes drive from the entrance to the Pyrenees National Park, where wildlife includes chamois, red squirrels, golden eagles, and marmots. A small population of brown bears reside within the park, and designated trails should be followed to avoid difficulties.

From Argeles, a bus to Cauterets the south will let you explore the Pont d’Espagne, full of waterfalls, as well as a further hike to the reflective Lac de Gaube, which can also be reached by chairlift.

Heading southwest via bus to Luz St Sauveur opens up hikes to Pic du Midi, Cirque Gavarnie, Pic des Tentes, Cirque de Troumousse. Buses to Arrens allow you to explore the Aubisque and Soulor. You can also hike directly up the Hautacam which overlooks Argeles, taking in the remarkable valley views.

There are several fully accessible walks within a little over an hour’s drive, such as the three Heritage walks in Arudy: the Ossau Valley, Bruges-Capbis-Mifaget, and Rebanacq. Alternatively, there is the Camino del Salto walk within around two hours’ drive, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Argeles puts you at the centre of some of the most famous views of the Pyrenees.

Local tip: Weather can sometimes vary wildly between valleys, so always check ahead on which direction is likely to provide the best chance of good weather.

5. Mont Perdu via the Cirque de Gavarnie

Most memorable hike for peak baggers

Ranges from 6 miles (10 km) to 8 miles (15 km) round trip, 4 days, difficult

The Pyrenees has no shortage of challenges for the experienced hiker seeking a new adventure. One of the most memorable hut-to-hut hikes takes in the spectacular Cirque de Gavarnie with the chance to see golden eagles, chamois, marmots and bearded vultures, en route to crossing over the border into Spain for the mysterious Mont Perdu.

Starting out from the Gavarnie, a five to six hour hike to Refuge Roland des Sarradets offers the optional detour to the famous (and very Instagrammable) Breche de Roland. It’s around a 1km climb, and can be very windy, so check for advice from the refuge.

On day two, a challenging three to four hour hike up to the summit of Mont Perdu will be rewarded with breath-taking views around this mystical layered maze of a mountain. A similar length journey will take you back to the welcome of the Sarradets refuge. Allow additional time if less used to hikes of this steepness.

Alternatively, if the weather turns, or you want to extend the trip by a day or two, a five hour hike to Goriz refuge in Spain is another option, and provides a popular route to the summit that's a little less steep.

On day three, after marveling again at the waterfalls of the Gavarnie, head down valley to the Refuge des Espeguettes. The next morning, follow the route to the Horquette d'Alans, and drop down into the Cirque d'Estaube, another magical waterfall locality, until you reach the grassy and gloriously quiet Cirque de Troumousse. Then travel down the valley to reach the Auberge du Maillet for accommodation and good food, as well as the novel Petit Train de Troumouse, a tractor train that will ferry you back down the valley the next day to Gavarnie, where you began the trip.

Planning tip: Check the weather for summer storms, which tend to arrive between 2pm and 5pm. Also book ahead for refuges during the summer, where new friendships are often forged.

6. GR10 official: Merens-Les Vals – Vernet Les Bains

Best multi-day hike in the Pyrenees

Varies from 6.6 miles (11km) to 11.5 miles (20 km), 7 days, moderate to difficult

The GR10 is a favoured route for backpackers tracing the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean sea, over the course of 250 miles; many people complete the trail over the course of several years.

One of the best trails on this route sits towards the start. The journey from Merens-Les Vals to Vernet Les Bains is a seven day journey that can be moderate or tough, depending on the trail you choose. The routes are rugged and challenging and so relatively quiet. There are alternative moderately challenging routes through the valleys, such as towards the flowery Val d’Incles, and the oft-overlooked Valleys of Ax.

For the full hike, start from Merens les Vals near the Spanish border, where sightings of chamois and ibex are possible. The route encompasses a tranquil lake in Vallee de Bouillouses, before gradually approaching the mythical Canigou.

Savour the view as you reach Planes, looking down into the valley, where the Canigou fills the sky, often rising above a sea of cloud. From there, walk down to the village of Vernet les Bains, where you can stock up on supplies, and ease any aches or pains in the thermal baths.

7. The Holzarte Suspension Bridge

Best short hike for thrill-seekers

3 miles (4.6km), 2 hours, technical in parts

Beginners and experienced hikers alike will be thrilled by the spectacle of the Holzarte Suspension Bridge, draped across the tremendous Olhadubi Gorges in dramatic and unnerving fashion. At 150 metres, the height of a typical skyscraper, the bridge sways gently underfoot as you make your way across, meaning that while the design and mesh either side keep you safe, it might not entirely feel that way!

Starting from the car park near the Auberge Logibar, the wander to reach the bridge traces a peaceful curve along gurgling riverbanks, strewn with delicate flowers, heading through trees along the valley-side, before a winding climb opens onto the gorges and the bridge.

There’s also an option to continue on the GR10 for an additional, and more technical six mile round trip towards the rocky waterfalls of the Cascade de Pista. The Bridge reopens from 19th May 2023. Sturdy shoes and usual provisions are recommended, as the path can get muddy and slippery

Top tips for safe hiking in the Pyrenees

Official GR routes are well signed with a white line above a red line, typically on fence posts or well-placed rocks. Keep to these paths when venturing any distance, to follow the most pleasing and safest routes.

The summer typically brings intense heat, especially when on an exposed plateau or summit. Remember to use sunscreen and carry enough food and water to stay hydrated.

Some regions can become a fire hazard when weather has been particularly hot dry. Risks can be checked at by consulting the fire risk map.

You may come across Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, which are impressive, hairy gruff dogs that guard sheep. Admire them from afar – without crossing towards the sheep – and they should drowsily ignore you.